TRY telling Soufian El Hassnoaui there is nothing at stake in Hearts' remaining matches.
If anything, the end of the season is coming at the wrong time for the striker. The Dutch-born Moroccan's maiden campaign at Tynecastle has not gone to plan. Already playing catch-up after undergoing a groin operation last summer, a four-month lay-off followed from last November after sustaining a persistent ankle injury.
El Hassnaoui scored what proved to be the decisive goal in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Raith Rovers in what was only his tenth league start. However, while the 25-year-old is desperate for game time, you could not blame his team-mates if they are already thinking about a well-earned break.
After wrapping up the SPFL Championship title with seven games to spare, Hearts have struggled to maintain their competitive edge. Throw Rovers' status into the mix - Grant Murray's side are out of the push for the play-offs and can not be dragged into a relegation battle - and Saturday's match could have been mistaken for a pre-season friendly.
"Every minute I play is good for me now," proclaimed El Hassnaoui. "Of course, I had a hard time with a lot of injuries for a long time. The goals are fantastic for myself and for the team. "The fans have had to wait far too long to see what I've got to offer. I had a hard time but I always believe in the good things.
"We've got two more games. It's good for me to have a holiday and then start fresh next season. The fans have definitely not seen the best of me yet.
"Hopefully next season I can score more goals. For me, it's important to get more fitness. Even now on Saturday in the last 20 minutes, I couldn't go 100 per cent. It's hard."
Following a nondescript start to the game, Sam Nicholson gave the hosts the lead after 34 minutes. Osman Sow's clever flick in the box set up the winger and Nicholson struck a left-footed drive past Kevin Cuthbert.
The home side doubled their advantaged after 56 minutes. Callum Paterson drove to the goal-line and his cut back was bent into the net by the right boot of El Hassnaoui from 18 yards.
A lapse of concentration cost Hearts in the 66th minute when it looked like they would see out a comfortable win. After accepting Barrie McKay's pass, Calum Elliot cut inside Alim Ozturk and powered a low drive past Scott Gallacher.
Ross Callachan is also raring to go with Raith next season after signing a new two-year deal on Friday evening, despite an approach from Ross County. The 21-year-old said: "Ross County were interested and spoke to my agent but I was just delighted to sign here.
"I thought I might not get a regular game at County. I've established myself here and, going to a new club, you have to show them what you can do.
"I've also got a kid now, Leo - who's only nine months - and it would have been a big life change going up there as well.
"I can't think of anything worse than going up there and not playing and not seeing my son. That swayed me."
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